Spain is progressing adequately in digitalization and connectivity, but it presents shortcomings when it comes to transforming that growing technological capacity into a true engine of competitiveness, investment, and innovation. In a sector that is advancing extremely fast, there is no time to lose. It is now. Therefore, taking advantage of the fact that the polls will reopen on November 29, the Spanish Association for Digitalization, DigitalES, sets tasks for the Government that will determine the citizens' vote. Tasks aimed at guiding public policies for the next legislature and establishing priorities for the development of the digital economy.
In the document Digital Agenda 2030, they outline ten proposals grouped into five major priorities: a national digital policy; infrastructures for the digital economy; innovation and technology to transform the economy; talent for the new digital economy, and sustainable, secure digitalization that serves people.
The 10 final measures specify those lines of action in an agenda for the coming years.
A digital agenda and fewer regulatory hurdles
The first proposal consists of approving a Digital Agenda for Spain 2030 with objectives, budget, responsible parties, and indicators. DigitalES suggests that the strategy should have a stable coordination mechanism and incorporate the European dimension from the outset.
The association considers it necessary for digital policy to have continuity and allow for the evaluation of results. Planning should also facilitate coordination among administrations and the participation of sector actors in the design of public policies.
The second measure focuses on regulatory simplification and the unity of the digital market. They require a review of accumulated obligations, elimination of duplicities, and harmonization of criteria. They also ask that new regulations be evaluated for their impact on investment, innovation, and competitiveness.
The goal is to reduce burdens that may hinder business activity and prevent the application of regulation from generating redundant obligations. The agenda links this approach to the need for a predictable regulatory framework aligned with the European dimension of the digital market.
Networks, data centers, and cloud: the conditions for investment
DigitalES places infrastructures at the center of its third proposal. To promote investment and the deployment of networks, it proposes creating an effective single window, digitizing permits and licenses, and reviewing fees and spectrum conditions.
The measure seeks to simplify the procedures related to the development of digital infrastructures. The document also includes, among its priorities, investment in next-generation networks and the consideration of telecommunications as basic infrastructures in planning.
The fourth aims to consolidate Spain as a European hub for cloud, data centers, and computing capacity. To this end, the association requests coordinating digital and energy planning, speeding up access to the electrical grid, and facilitating efficient, resilient, and accessible computing capacity.
The document thus connects the development of these facilities with energy availability and infrastructure planning. Coordination between both areas appears as a condition to facilitate new projects and expand technological capacity.
AI, innovation, and public procurement
The fifth measure urges to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), data, and strategic technologies. They argue that aid and support should be directed towards concrete results, use cases, and scaling solutions, in addition to facilitating access to computing capacity and the safe use of data.
The proposal is not limited to promoting the incorporation of new tools: it also seeks for initiatives to be able to develop and extend. The agenda includes support for SMEs and strategic sectors through financing, advice, and access to computing resources.
The sixth proposal links investment and innovation with public procurement. The Association proposes improving incentives and aid, eliminating barriers to business growth, and directing public purchasing towards criteria of innovation, quality, security, and interoperability.
They estimate that the purchasing power of administrations should be leveraged to promote technological solutions. They also highlight the need to facilitate access to public funds through coordinated and predictable calls, simplified documentation, and resolution and payment deadlines.
A pact to train and retain digital talent
The seventh priority is to agree on a pact for digital talent. With this objective, they urge adapting Vocational Training, university education, and continuous training to business needs, as well as reinforcing dual training, micro-credentials, vocations linked to science and technology, and professional reskilling.
Furthermore, the Agenda incorporates the rational adoption of artificial intelligence in education and training. The updating of training pathways and lifelong learning are part of the measures with which the association wants to respond to the needs of the digital economy. The approach encompasses both the preparation of new professionals and the updating of the skills of those who are already working.
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Cybersecurity, user protection, and green transition
The eighth proposal aims to build a coordinated risk-based cybersecurity framework. Among the measures are avoiding redundant obligations and notifications, strengthening the security of supply chains, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises.
The ninth measure focuses on ensuring inclusive, accessible, and secure digitalization. DigitalES proposes reducing the digital gaps, reinforcing skills, protecting minors, improving accessibility, and combating fraud through coordinated responsibilities.
The tenth and final proposal links digitalization with the green transition. The document proposes promoting energy efficiency, the digitalization of energy, the circular economy, and the continuous improvement of the networks' footprint and computing capacity.
With these ten measures, the Association brings together regulatory actions, infrastructure investments, business innovation, training, and protection of individuals in a single agenda. The proposal aims to guide the decisions of the next legislature towards a more competitive digital economy, with a coordinated digital policy and greater integration of technology in economic activity and services.